The Mike Meltser Podcast on Sports and Law

This emergency episode of The Mike Meltser Podcast is all about the Astros firing Assistant GM Brandon Taubman. Houston lawyer and writer Stephanie Stradley joins Mike to discuss their reactions to the firing, the way the Astros have mismanaged this story from a PR standpoint, whether Taubman has a wrongful termination claim, and more. (38:42) Mike concludes the podcast by giving his thoughts on the Taubman story.

Mike recaps a Texans 30-23 loss in Indianapolis. (3:38) mistakes were the theme of the game from start to finish, (13:11)was Bill O'Brien's strategy of taking a safety late in the game the right move?, (20:52) the big picture look at the loss, and (35:00) a glance around the NFL in Week 7

The fifteenth episode of The Mike Meltser podcast focuses on a new NFL rule that allows coaches to challenge pass interference calls. (1:00) Mike is puzzled by the fact that it has become impossible to overturn any pass interference calls, (7:43) Ben Austro of Football Zebras joins the podcast to give his thoughts on the new replay rule, whether it's too early to make any judgments, and whether full-time officials would help the NFL.

The fourteenth episode of The Mike Meltser Podcast is all about the Texans pulling off an upset in Kansas City. (5:22) Mike credits Bill O'Brien for being aggressive on the late 4th and 3, (10:23) what this win means for Deshaun Watson and the expectations for the Texans, (15:12) where the defense stepped up in this 31-24 win, and (21:44) what to do with Ka'imi Fairbairn moving forward.

The thirteenth episode of The Mike Meltser Podcast is all about the NBA's handling of China's reaction to a Daryl Morey tweet about the protests in Hong Kong. (5:22) why Mike thinks the NBA has been criticized too harshly this week, (17:04) where Mike agrees and disagrees with Steve Kerr, and (26:55) Andrew Zimbalist explains how much the NBA has to lose in China, and offers his thoughts on the league's reaction over the last week.

The twelfth episode of The Mike Meltser podcast is a recap of the Texans crushing the Falcons 53-32 in Week 5, with Mike explaining that Houston fans are frustrated because they don't see more of this every week, (7:00) the offense dictating everything to Atlanta's defense, (12:35) why Fuller's 3rd TD was a great call by Bill O'Brien, (18:10) Mike's big question about expectations for the Texans defense, and (35:15) three notes from around the NFL after a busy Sunday.

The eleventh episode of The Mike Meltser Podcast has two parts: (1:15) Mike's thoughts on California passing SB 206, otherwise known as "The Fair Pay to Play" Act, allowing student-athletes in California to earn money from their name/image/likeness, (8:00) Tim Nevius, a current college athlete attorney, gives his perspective on the impact of SB 206. (18:25) Mike gives his opinion on D'Eriq King's unique use of the NCAA's relatively new 4-game redshirt rule, (14:55) Joey Galloway of ESPN hated King's decision, and (29:30) Nevius explains his thoughts on the King story.

The tenth episode of The Mike Meltser Podcast is a Houston-specific episode, with Mike giving his opinions on a very disappointing 16-10 loss to the Panthers. (1:40) why the majority of the blame goes to Deshaun Watson, (12:45) Bill O'Brien's role in the defeat, including a rant on the DeAndre Hopkins INT, and (23:00) notes from the game, including Ka'imi Fairbairn, Whitney Mercilus, and the mediocre atmosphere at NRG Stadium.

The ninth episode of The Mike Meltser Podcast is all about sports betting. (4:15) Steve Silver of Ogletree Deakins, @TheLegalBlitz on Twitter, joins me to give an update on how many states have legalized sports betting, if sports betting will ever come to Texas, how quickly sports betting laws have spread across the US, and discussed two big issues in this area: integrity fees and data mandates.

The eighth episode of The Mike Meltser Podcast is a Houston-specific episode, with Mike giving his take on a big 27-20 Texans win over the Chargers. (1:10) ranking this win for Bill O'Brien, (4:20) Deshaun's magic pays off in a win, (11:10) Houston may have found its OL for good, (20:30) long-term concerns about the secondary, and (28:00) quick NFL takes to wrap up the episode.